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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and ensure top-notch food quality in a high-volume setting.
- Company: A well-established hospitality venue with a vibrant atmosphere and strong leadership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, on-site parking, and clear career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the kitchen operation and make a real impact during peak trading seasons.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Chef in high-volume or seasonal operations.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment focused on growth and stability.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
High-Volume Operation Dorset
A £45,000 to £60,000 depending on experience
The Business
A destination-led hospitality venue operating within a highly seasonal model. The restaurant trades seven days a week and sees significant variation across the year, from quieter winter months to very high-volume summer trading. The business is well established, with strong systems, infrastructure, and senior leadership already in place. The kitchen operation now needs a Head Chef who can take full ownership of food delivery and performance while working closely with the senior management team and General Manager.
The Role
- This is a senior Head Chef role with full responsibility for food operations.
- You will lead the kitchen team, control food quality and consistency, and manage all kitchen costs within a seasonal trading model.
- The role focuses on building a kitchen operation that remains efficient in winter and scales confidently through peak summer trading.
- Full ownership of food cost, labour, and kitchen productivity.
- Leading menu execution that delivers at volume while maintaining standards.
- Managing kitchen staffing and rotas in line with seasonal demand.
- Developing a strong, structured kitchen team with clear accountability.
- Working closely with the senior management team and General Manager to support wider business goals.
- Planning prep, ordering, and production around weather and trading patterns.
- Supporting pop-up food offers, outdoor service, and extended summer trading.
You will be trusted to shape the kitchen operation and make improvements that drive consistency and performance.
The Person
- Proven Head Chef experience in high-volume or seasonal operations.
- Strong commercial understanding of food margins and kitchen P&L.
- Confident managing labour, stock, and supplier relationships.
- Comfortable leading large kitchen teams during peak periods.
- Calm, organised, and consistent under pressure.
- Collaborative leader who works well with senior management.
- Career-focused chef seeking long-term stability and progression.
Other Information
- Highly seasonal operation.
- On-site parking available.
- Clear progression as the wider group continues to grow.
If this sounds like you, get in touch.
Head Chef employer: TipTopJob
Contact Detail:
TipTopJob Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs and industry contacts. Attend local food events or workshops to meet potential employers. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up kitchen to showcase your culinary talents. This is a great way to get noticed and demonstrate your ability to handle high-volume operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to restaurants you admire and express your interest in working with them. A well-timed email can open doors we didn’t even know existed!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a range of opportunities waiting for talented chefs like you. Make sure to keep an eye on our listings and apply directly to increase your chances of landing that dream role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through. Share your culinary journey and what drives you to create amazing dishes. We want to see your personality and passion reflected in your words!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise your experience in high-volume or seasonal operations. We’re looking for someone who can handle the heat, so mention specific examples of how you've managed kitchen teams and food quality under pressure.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon that might confuse us. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the Head Chef position. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at TipTopJob
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head Chef, you'll need to demonstrate a strong grasp of food margins and kitchen P&L. Brush up on your financial knowledge and be ready to discuss how you've managed costs in previous roles. This will show that you understand the commercial side of running a kitchen.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You'll be leading a large kitchen team, so it's crucial to convey your leadership approach. Prepare examples of how you've built and developed teams in high-pressure environments. Highlight your ability to maintain calm and organisation during peak trading times.
✨Seasonal Strategy Savvy
Given the seasonal nature of the operation, be prepared to discuss how you've adapted kitchen operations to meet varying demands. Share specific strategies you've implemented to ensure efficiency in quieter months while scaling up for busy periods.
✨Collaborate with Confidence
This role requires close collaboration with senior management. Think about instances where you've worked alongside other departments to achieve business goals. Be ready to explain how you can contribute to the wider objectives of the restaurant while maintaining kitchen performance.
